President William Ruto have reopened discussion about the direction of Kenya’s leadership and the choices that defined some of the country’s most consequential moments.
Speaking at a public function, the Head of State reflected on past engagements that, he said, were guided by a desire to stabilise the nation and chart a new course beyond perpetual political contestation.
President Ruto said his political understanding with the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was rooted in the belief that Kenya needed to move away from divisive politics that had repeatedly slowed national progress.
He explained that the engagement was not about political convenience or personal gain, but about putting the country first at a time when tensions threatened cohesion and economic focus.
According to the President, years of confrontational politics had often left the country polarised, with communities retreating into political camps at the expense of shared national goals.
He noted that while competition is a vital part of democracy, it should not come at the cost of unity or development. The understanding with Odinga, he said, was therefore informed by the need to lower political temperatures and create space for dialogue and cooperation.
Ruto added that the late ODM leader played a significant role in encouraging national conversations that prioritised stability and inclusivity.
He described Odinga as a seasoned statesman who, despite deep political differences, recognised moments when the country needed leaders to rise above rivalry.
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The President said such moments require courage, compromise and a willingness to look beyond immediate political calculations.
He further linked unity to development, arguing that a divided nation struggles to implement long term economic and social programmes.
Ruto said the government’s focus on infrastructure, agriculture, education and job creation depends heavily on a peaceful and cohesive political environment.
Without unity, he warned, even well designed policies risk stalling due to constant political pushback and mistrust.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance, adding that unity does not mean the absence of dissent but the ability to manage differences constructively.
He said Kenyans should embrace dialogue as a tool for resolving disputes rather than resorting to confrontational politics that deepen divisions.
Ruto also urged political leaders to draw lessons from the past and avoid rhetoric that fuels hostility among communities.
He maintained that leadership should be measured not by how loudly one mobilises supporters against others, but by how effectively one brings people together around shared aspirations.
As the country continues to navigate economic challenges and political transitions, the President said his vision remains anchored on national cohesion, stability and development.
He concluded that Kenya’s progress depends on leaders and citizens alike choosing unity over division and cooperation over conflict.
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